A Socially Assistive Robot for Outpatient Eating Disorder Waiting-List Support: A Mixed-Methods Feasibility...

Area of Science:

• Clinical Psychology
• Human-Robot Interaction
• Mental Health Technology

Background:

• Adult eating disorder services often have lengthy waitlist periods.
• Emotion regulation difficulties are common in individuals with eating disorders.
• Socially assistive robots offer potential for low-intensity mental health support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of Purrble, a socially assistive robot, as an adjunct intervention for emotion regulation in adults awaiting eating disorder treatment.
• To assess the impact of Purrble on emotion regulation, sensory sensitivity, anxiety, depression, and motivation for change.

Main Methods:

• A feasibility randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving adults on waitlists for outpatient eating disorder treatment.
• Participants were randomized to four weeks of Purrble use or waitlist-as-usual.
• Outcomes included emotion regulation (primary), sensory sensitivity, anxiety, depression, and motivation, assessed via standardized scales and a qualitative survey.

Main Results:

• A significant group × time interaction indicated greater reductions in depression symptoms for the Purrble group compared to the control.
• The Purrble group demonstrated small-to-moderate improvements in emotion regulation, sensory sensitivity, and anxiety.
• Qualitative data revealed positive user experiences, including situational use during distress and perceived emotional connection, alongside identified design limitations.

Conclusions:

• Purrble is an acceptable and feasible adjunct intervention for adults with eating disorders during waitlist periods.
• Preliminary evidence suggests Purrble may positively impact depression and motivation, warranting further investigation in a larger trial.
• The findings support the potential of integrating socially assistive robots into mental health care pathways.